Help & Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions:

How do I place an order?
What is your returns policy?
What are your terms of business?
Is the scan I see the stamp I will get?
What is the difference between your 'Price List' and your 'Single Items'?
What are your stamp dealing credentials?
What conventions do you use in your listings?
How do I know if an item is in stock?
What do you charge for Postage & Packaging?

How do I place an order?
You can place an order by clicking the 'Order Form' link on the top toolbar. Clicking this link opens the order form in a new window - that way you can leave the Order Form window open while you continue browsing the rest of our site.

On finding an item you wish to purchase, note its 'Item ID' (shown in the left column of the items list) and type this into the 'Item ID' field of the order form. You can enter a brief description of the item if you wish in the 'Description' field - this is optional. State the quantity of items you require in the 'UM', 'Mint', or 'Used' columns; for example - if you require 1 mint item enter "1" under the 'Mint Qty' column. Enter the price of the item if you wish - again this is optional as we know the prices of all items regardless of whether you enter it on your Order Form. Up to 15 items can be purchased on any single order form; if you wish to order more please send the order on multiple order forms or email us.

Enter your name, address and contact details. Fields marked in red are mandatory and you will not be able to submit your order without entering information in these fields. Please take care when entering your email address as we will communicate with you about your order via email.

Select how you wish to pay for your purchase - currently we only accept payments by PayPal and GBP cash or cheque. PayPal payments should be made to orders@africastamps.co.uk. It is easier for me to send a Paypal Payment Request to the email address you supply, once I have completed your order. You will be advised of the address to send cash and cheques to in the email we send you confirming your order. Please note that cash is sent at your own risk.

Select the shipping option that is applicable to you based on geographic location and the level of compensation you want. If you wish to enter any notes about your order please do so in the Notes field.

Click the 'Send Order' button. You will know the order has been submitted successfully when you see a 'Thank You for your Order' message at the top of the page. An email confirming your order will also be sent to the email address you entered.

If you experience problems using our order form please let us know. Don't forget you can always email us with your order if you prefer.

What is your returns policy?
Our aim is for you to be totally satisfied with your purchase and our service to you. You can return any purchase within 7 days (Inland) and 21 days (overseas). Please inform us straight away that you wish to return the goods to us; you are liable for the cost of return and ensuring adequate packaging. Your money will be refunded upon safe receipt

What are your terms of business?
Our terms of business are as follows:

All prices are in £ Sterling
Payment with order - no items will be despatched until full payment, including postage, is received
Credit terms are available to known customers - please contact us
Guarantee of Satisfaction: Our aim is for you to be totally satisfied with your purchase and our service to you. You can return any purchase within 7 days (Inland) and 21 days (overseas). Please inform us straight away that you wish to return the goods to us; you are liable for the cost of return and ensuring adequate packaging. Your money will be refunded upon safe receipt

Is the scan I see the stamp I will get?
Scans of stamps in our 'Price List' section are 'stock' images for illustration purposes only. However, we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee; you can return any stamp, without question, for a full refund. Scans of stamps in our 'Single Items' section are of the actual item you will receive.

What is the difference between your 'Price List' and your 'Single Items'?
Our standard 'Price List' is where you will find our regular stamp stock. Scans of stamps in this section are 'stock' images for illustration purposes only. Our 'Single Items' pages are where you will find the stamps that will add interest and specialisation to your collection. Many of these items are not expensive; indeed our prices start from as little as £10.

What are your stamp dealing credentials?
I began trading in October 1998, initially starting out as a self-employed dealer. I have since worked as an auction describer for a large philatelic auctioneers and for an internet based stamp auction company. I am well known in the British stamp trade. Please see the About Us page for more information.

What conventions do you use in your listings?
We use the conventions 'UM', 'Mint' and 'Used' to describe the status of a stamp:

UM is Un-mounted mint, also known as MNH (Mint Never Hinged). This is a stamp that has full original gum and has never had a hinge applied to its gummed side.
Mint is for a stamp that has been hinged and will have a hinge mark, or neat and not heavy hinge remainders. We do not deal in heavily hinged, sub-standard stamps.
Used is for a stamp that has a neat circular postmark. We only sell stamps that would be considered fine used or very fine used. Stamps with heavy cancels, machine/slogan cancels are not up to our standard, unless the stamp has postmark interest. In this instance they would be sold in the Single Items section where you can see a clear scan of the exact stamp you are buying.

How do I know if an item is in stock?
If a price is shown we will usually have the item in stock. Where you see a dash ' - ' on the price list then this stamp is not in stock. Please keep checking our website as new stock will be added regularly. If you place an order and the stamp is not in stock we will notify you immediately.